If you’ve made the decision to have your teeth straightened, you may now be asking about the side effects of treatments. And there are many treatments to choose from, most offering to correct your orthodontic issue, while maintaining your lifestyle. Invisalign* is one such treatment option, but with tight trays over your teeth, you may be wondering – does Invisalign* lead to cavities?

Dental Hygiene During Invisalign*

Besides the obvious near-invisibility benefits of Invisalign*, it also offers greater capacity for maintained – or improved – dental hygiene. This is especially relevant when Invisalign* is compared with traditional wire and bracket braces.

Invisalign* trays are easily removable for eating, drinking and cleaning. As long as the aligners remain in place on the teeth for a minimum of 22 hours, the treatment will stay on track. This greatly assists in the overall efficacy of cleaning, both your teeth and the appliance: no wires or brackets to navigate and no special tools to prod or poke any food residue. Invisalign* can be cleaned with your usual toothbrush and soaked for half an hour in a specialised solution.

Can Invisalign* Cause Cavities or Dental Decay?

In short, no – Invisalign* does not cause cavities or dental decay. However, it is important for Invisalign* patients to understand that the clear aligner trays do prevent saliva movement on the teeth, and hence the breakdown of any particles that remain trapped under the trays.

For this reason, it’s important for patients using Invisalign* to thoroughly brush and floss their teeth after every meal. Failing to do so could create areas in which plaque is likely to build up, leading to decay.

How Often Should I See a Dentist during Invisalign* Treatment?

During your treatment, you’ll be seeing your orthodontist at close to 6 week intervals – unless your dental monitoring app suggests otherwise. However, this is no reason to see your regular dentist any less. You should keep up your regular appointments and aim to see your dentist every 6 months, so both your dentist and your orthodontist can keep an expert eye on your treatment progress and your dental hygiene.